A Country of Liars

In the United States, lying is a common practice. Famous people have lied, heads of companies have lied, and even some of the heads of our country have lied. Sadly, students lie to get into certain colleges, husbands lie to their wives, and children often lie to their parents. So many people are not telling the truth that it seems easy just to follow along. After all, everybody else is lying, so why shouldn't I?

One reason not to lie is that even though many are dishonest, not everyone gets away with it. In the United States, lying under oath or to the police is a crime that can cause you to go to jail. President Bill Clinton was almost removed as President because he lied. The heads of several companies have lied—and been sent to prison. Each year in the United States, many students get into severe trouble for lying. People lie, but they can get caught, and pay the price.

Another reason not to lie is that just because other people are doing it, does not make it right. Some people murder. Can we murder? Some people steal. Can we steal? Some people lie, so can we lie? By no means! Just because many of our friends lie, it doesn't mean that we should, too.

Peter wrote: "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy" (1 Peter 2:9-10). As followers of Christ, we have been called to a higher path; we have been called out of darkness. We can be an example to the people, and even to the country around us. By not lying, we can show others the correct way to live. By not following the crowd, we stand apart and proclaim the Gospel to the whole world! Let us not live as the world—"put away falsehood" and "speak the truth" (Ephesians 4:25).